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8. Make two copies of your passport and photos.
Give one copy of your passport to a friend or relative who can be easily contacted in case of an emergency. Take
other copy and extra photos with you on your trip. If you use an online document storage service, you can scan your passport and upload a copy. That way, you can access it from almost anywhere in world.
While You're Away
9. Always keep your passport in a safe place!
Never leave your passport in your baggage, backpack, purse, car, hotel room, or anywhere else! When you must carry your passport, keep it in a money belt or inside coat pocket. Upon arrival at hotel, put your passport in hotel safe.
10. Never lay your passport down anywhere.
Passports placed on a counter, phone booth or table can be easily forgotten or stolen. Practice habit of immediately putting your passport away after using it.
11. If you travel as a family or as part of a group, don't let one person carry all passports.
The odds are much greater for one person carrying all passports to lose them or have them stolen than for all passports to be stolen or lost if each individual owner carries his or her own.
12. Never let anyone leave your presence with your passport.
When checking in at airport, passing through customs, exchanging currency, or doing anything else that requires you to show your passport, never allow person examining your passport to leave your presence. If person starts to leave, call their attention and request to accompany them.
Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for unlawful entry into United States or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. You would be pretty embarrassed if your name were associated with illegal activities.
13. Immediately report loss of your passport.
If you are careful and follow tips above, you shouldn't have any problem with loss of your passport. If it does occur though, immediately notify local police and then proceed to nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Take copy of your passport and extra photos with you. You will be issued a temporary passport that you can replace upon returning to United States.
After You Return
14. Schedule your passport renewal.
Check expiration date and make a reminder to renew your passport at proper time. Remember, you should begin process 8 to 11 months prior to expiration date. Put reminder somewhere where it won't be forgotten.
15. Check number of blank pages remaining.
Some countries require a blank page for their visa. If you plan a future trip on which you will visit various countries, you might need same number of pages as countries to be visited.
If you do not have an adequate number of pages but your passport is not due for renewal, you can request additional pages.
16. Store your passport in a safe place.
If you have a safe in your home, keep your passport there. If not, consider a safety deposit box at your local bank.
Follow practical tips above and you can easily avoid passport problems and more fully enjoy your international travels.
William Manor is the owner of U.S. Passport Service Guide, a very useful and comprehensive resource for U.S. citizens who travel internationally. http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com
